The Cleveland Cavaliers will be without superstar guard Donovan Mitchell for a highly anticipated game against the Detroit Pistons. NBA fans are fascinated to see the new Cavaliers squad with James Harden face the top Eastern Conference team for the first time since the big trade. Unfortunately, Mitchell being ruled out with a groin injury will lower expectations since one team is missing their best overall player.
Cleveland didn’t waste any time officially declaring Mitchell out for Friday’s game via the official NBA injury report. Mitchell will miss his second consecutive game with a groin injury bothering him enough to sit out at least two games. Detroit has a strong lead over the Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics in the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference standings.
Friday’s game was anticipated for fans wanting to see how Cleveland matches up against Detroit since it is very realistic that they could face off in the playoffs. Mitchell not playing in this game makes the Pistons a stronger favorite and puts less pressure on the Cavaliers to make a statement. Mitchell is not expected to miss too much time, but he could sit out a few more games to be safe.
Cavaliers Dealing With Other Injuries Too
Mitchell is not the only Cleveland player on the injury report, as multiple other names could miss the game for the Cavaliers. Harden is listed as questionable due to a right thumb injury after sitting out last night’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Recent comments indicate Harden wants to play through the injury, but he could still sit a few games.
Role players Dennis Schroder, Dean Wade, and Keon Ellis are all questionable with various injuries dictating their status. Cleveland has an easier game on Sunday against the Brooklyn Nets to warrant having their banged-up players rest these next few games if they want to play it safe.
Another big matchup against the Pistons will come next Tuesday in Cleveland. It could be a wise strategy to rest up for this upcoming game in Detroit and try to make a statement when hosting the Pistons next week. Regardless, the Cavaliers have a full injury report heading into Friday’s game.
Donovan Mitchell’s Injury Not A Big Concern
Mitchell’s groin injury is not expected to linger beyond a few games, and a couple of Cleveland beat writers believe he’d play if it was the playoffs. Most superstars end up resting a couple of games each season to get through a minor injury and stay fresh ahead of the playoffs.
Only two more months are left in the regular season to navigate the standings. The Cavaliers seem content holding any top four seed to ensure they get home field advantage in the first round and will figure out the rest after.
Cleveland entered the season as the betting favorites to win the Eastern Conference, and they’ve only improved since the deadline. Mitchell is the most important player for the Cavaliers to make a deep playoff run, so they’re right to be cautious about any injuries at this point in the season.
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